Once sought for what were thought to be curative powers, the famous springs of Yellow Springs, Ohio continue to be a draw for visitors. Today visitors can enjoy hiking, shopping and dining in the eclectic downtown, exploring the local farms and historic landmarks, and much more. We have compiled a list of the top attractions to add to your bucket list as you tour the unique town of Yellow Springs.
Young’s Jersey Dairy
Young’s Jersey Dairy is fun for the entire family! The red barn was built and operated by the Young family in 1869. It opened its doors to the public in 1958 selling Jersey milk. Today your family can visit the dairy store which has homemade ice cream, as well as restaurant food.
You’re invited to explore their working dairy farm, enjoy activities at Udders and Putters (with two miniature golf courses, batting cages, a driving range, barrel rides, a slide and a kiddie area). The farm also hosts several family-friendly events throughout the year. Take a look at the website for their seasonal events and activity details.
Young’s Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
John Bryan State Park
John Bryan State Park welcomes visitors to beauty in each season. It is also home to a remarkable limestone gorge, where you can take in views of the trails. The park consists of ten trails, including the well known Storybook Trail, and miles of mountain biking trails.
Hikers can rappel and rock climb in the public climbing area. There are several picnic areas and a playground. You can reserve the day lodge for larger gatherings and even stay the night at the campground. The park is also adjacent to the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve.
John Bryan State Park
3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
You may also be interested in: National Parks in Ohio You’ll Want to Explore
Little Miami Bike Trail
The Little Miami Bike Trail, a 78.1 mile trail, is the fourth longest paved trail in the United States. It runs through five southwestern Ohio counties, starting in Clark County and ending in Hamilton County. The paved trail is ideal for bicyclists and horseback riders.
You can stop at two state parks along the trails, John Bryan and Caesar Creek. There are also bike rental places in the area, as well as bike shuttle services. Visit the website for an interactive map on how to access the trail and plan your trip.
Little Miami Bike Trail
Website
You may also be interested in: More paved trails in Northeast Ohio
Yellow Springs Toy Company
This particular address has been home to two toy stores for more than 40 years. After the latest toy store closed, the entire community of Yellow Springs rallied together to see a new toy store open in its place to keep the tradition alive. Since 2018, the Yellow Springs Toy Company has been bringing the town’s efforts to life.
The specialty toy store sells toys that focus on play! They aim to find toys that are difficult to find in your typical big box stores. Their inventory hopes to inspire curiosity for young minds. You can shop the store and website by age and interest.
Yellow Springs Toy Company
252 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
Downtown Yellow Springs
Downtown Yellow Springs has a little something for everyone. You can walk the streets as you pop into local shops and restaurants, as you listen to buskers play. Take a look at the website for a full list of shops, cafes, restaurants and galleries.
Downtown Yellow Springs
Website
Hyde Road/Richard P. Eastman Covered Bridge
Built in 2014, to honor a local builder, Richard P. Eastman, the Hyde Road/Richard P. Eastman Covered Bridge traverses part of the Little Miami Scenic Trail. It is a barn red structure bridge with a cupola and a bicycle weather vane on top. The bridge is a Howe Truss, which was a popular design in the mid-to-late 1800s. The design is an ideal spot for photography!
It may be difficult to find parking at the bridge. There is additional parking across from the Riding Center on E. Hyde Road. It is about a seven minute walk from that parking area.
Hyde Road/Richard P. Eastman Covered Bridge
Little Miami Scenic Trail, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
You may also be interested in: More covered bridges in Ohio
Glen Helen Nature Preserve
The Glen Helen Nature Preserve is 1,125 acres of land, connected by more than 15 miles of trails. It is home to “the first residential environmental learning facility in the Midwest and Ohio’s original facility for education and rehabilitation of birds of prey.” The preserve also “shelters nearly two miles of the State and National Scenic Little Miami River and one of Ohio’s only National Natural Landmarks.”
Visitors can enjoy a site of natural wonders from the yellow spring to wildflowers to waterfalls. You can also visit The Glen Helen Raptor Center, in which you can walk around and see the outdoor enclosures of raptor species. The center provides both education on raptors, as well as the goal of rehabilitation and releases raptors back into the wild.
The preserve also offers an outdoor school, camp, homeschool program and internships. The website also lists the current trail closures. Be sure to check out the website for hours and admission information.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve
405 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is 268 acres, which preserves amazing dolomite and limestone gorges. Clifton Gorge, registered a National Natural Landmark, covers more than two miles across Little Miami State and National Scenic River. It is also known as one of the most beautiful sites in the state for viewing spring wildflowers, including rare snow trillium.
There are more than three miles of hiking trails. Pets are not permitted in the park. Check the website for details on the nature center and trail information.
Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
2381 OH-343, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
Village Flower Farm
If you’re looking for a little breath of fresh air, Village Flower Farm is a perfect spot! At the farm you are able to walk around and pick your own beautiful flowers. The owner of the farm says that she grows flowers to make people happy. The entire experience at the farm is meant to bring you and your loved ones outside to enjoy the natural beauty.
Make sure to bring your Your Village Flower Farm vase for collecting flowers, you’ll receive one dollar off each time you return with your vase. You can also bring a beach pail. You should bring gloves for flower picking/cutting. Dress in farm appropriate clothing because you’ll be walking around the farm the entire time. Also, don’t forget sunscreen and a water bottle. Check the websites for hours and additional information.
Village Flower Farm
4410 US-68, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
You may also be interested in: Must visit sunflower fields in Ohio
Sunrise Cafe Yellow Springs
“Local. From scratch. With love.” That is the Sunrise Cafe Yellow Springs’s motto! They live by that phrase with locally sourced food, cooking from scratch and prepared with love. In fact, almost everything on the menu is made in-house from their breads and sauces to their soups and burgers.
The restaurant is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can pop in for an early morning breakfast or leisurely enjoy a long dinner with friends. Check the website for their full menu, as well as their online ordering and delivery options.
Sunrise Cafe Yellow Springs
259 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
Super-Fly Comics & Games
Do you have a gamer in the family? Super-Fly Comics & Games is a gamers wonderland. It is a full service comics and games shop. The owners go out of their way to stock a variety of comics, not just the most popular. You will find a unique assortment of comics to add to your collection.
The store will also special order for you if they do not have what you are looking for. If you have any collections you are looking to sell, they will take a look at those for you as well. Feel free to give them a call with any questions before your visit.
Super-Fly Comics & Games
132 Dayton St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
Little Fairy Garden
Step into a dreamland at Little Fairy Garden! The Little Fairy Garden provides all of the supplies to create your own indoor or outdoor Miniature Fairy Garden. They offer a variety of themes that you can choose from and the materials are weather-resistant. Little Fairy Garden offers group workshops and parties. Check the website for their seasonal hours and additional details.
Little Fairy Garden
224 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
Historic Clifton Mill
The Historic Clifton Mill is one of the “largest water-powered grist mills still in existence.” The first mill at this site was built in 1802. Today, you can visit the site, walk the grounds and learn about how the mill runs. If you visit during the spring and summer, you can even take a guided tour of the mill. These tours are only available on weekdays during spring and summer.
The mill hosts a holiday event called the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill. This unique event in which guests can view more than 3.5 million lights takes place seven nights a week around the holiday season. Check the website for additional details.
Historic Clifton Mill
75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316
Website
You may also be interested in: More factory tours in Ohio
Yellow Springs Brewery
Whether you are shopping in downtown Yellow Springs or biking on the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail, Yellow Springs Brewery is an ideal spot to take a break and relax. Their taproom offers both indoor and outdoor seating. You can also bring your pup along, as the patio is pet-friendly.
The beer from their taproom is straight from the tap. Their art-filled taproom is welcoming and encourages socialization. Take a look at their events, private rental details and more.
Yellow Springs Brewery
305 Walnut St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
Village Artisans Co-Op
Take home a piece of the heart of Yellow Springs through their local artwork. The Village Artisans Co-Op provides a gallery of local artists’ creations that you can purchase. The artwork includes a variety of pieces from paintings and photography to woodwork and hand-crafted jewelry.
The Co-Op hosts special events throughout the year, like their Art on the Lawn. You can view more information about the local artists and artwork on the website. Be sure to check the hours and event details before you visit.
Village Artisans Co-Op
100 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
Peach’s Grill
Peach’s Grill is a local, vibrant bar with food, drinks and entertainment. Each week the bar hosts an open mic night, as well as a trivia night. They also have special events, such as comedy shows.
The restaurant serves traditional American fare. You can enjoy drinks from their full-service bar. Check the website for a full menu and additional details.
Peach’s Grill
104 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
Little Art Theatre
If you’re looking to step back in time to an old-fashioned, downtown movie theater, then Little Art Theatre is the place for you. The theater has been a landmark in Yellow Springs since 1929 and is now a non-profit, focusing on their vision of, “the best place to watch movies together.”
Little Art Theatre shows a wide variety of films from classics to documentaries to current films. You can also rent out the theater for your own events. Take a look at the website for details on movies, times and more.
Little Art Theatre
47 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
You may also be interested in: More theaters in Northeast Ohio
Tom’s Market
Tom’s Market is your classic hometown grocery store. Located in downtown Yellow Springs, the market offers a daily menu prepared in their own kitchen. The market aims to provide local products for purchase.
Tom’s Market highlights its deli, meat, produce and dairy department on the website in additional detail. They also have a list of their weekly features for your convenience. In true hometown fashion they will help you with whatever meal you are trying to make, including offering recipes and menu ideas.
Tom’s Market
242 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
Yellow Springs Pottery
Yellow Springs Pottery is an ideal spot to pick out a piece of local artwork to bring home with you. No two items in the store are the same. Whatever you choose is completely unique to you! They also ensure all of their pottery is food-safe and it can all be placed in the dishwasher.
They sell pottery in a wide range of price points for whatever type of item you might be looking for. The website details the local artists as well as examples of some of their pieces. Visit the website for hours and additional details.
Yellow Springs Pottery
222 Xenia Ave # 1, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
Emporium Wines & Underdog Cafe
You’ll feel right at home at the Emporium Wines & Underdog Cafe. The Emporium is known for its world-famous breakfast burrito. They also have an extensive wine and beer selection, as well as a full-service cafe.
Emporium Wines offers a wine club and wine tastings in-house, as well as local wine delivery. They offer a variety of events such as art shows, live music and wine tastings. Be sure to check out the website for their menu and event details.
Emporium Wines & Underdog Cafe
233 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
Ye Olde Trail Tavern
Step into a 19th century themed tavern for some drinks and to watch a game on the TV. Ye Olde Trail Tavern claims to be Ohio’s oldest tavern, established in 1827. The tavern has a rich history in Yellow Springs, which you can explore on their website.
Today it serves drinks and American fare. The tavern has two patios for you to dine outdoors as well. Take a look at the website for their full menu and additional details.
Ye Olde Trail Tavern
228 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website
More Fun Things to do in Ohio
- Things to Do in Ohio – The ultimate list of fun places to go and things to do
- Things to do in Columbus – 25 ideas for all ages
- Things to do in Dayton – 20+ activities you’re sure to love
- Things to do in Cincinnati – family activities and more!
